If the ultimate goal of building a custom hot rod is to create a one-of-a-kind expression of both show and go, then car builder Paul Newman nailed it when he completed the 1932 Ford-based "Deuception" for Los Gatos, California, customer Jerry Brassfield. Brassfield contracted Newman in 1986 to begin design and construction of a street rod that would meld the best of Porsche's Teutonic power and handling engineering with wild looks drawing inspiration from the classic all-American '32 Ford. Five years later, the project yielded a result worthy of a feature story in the July 1991 issue of Hot Rod Magazine.

At first glance, it is apparent that Deuception's wild custom fiberglass Phaeton body finds its foundation in the form of a 1932 Ford Victoria, but with a chopped top. Fenders, running boards, three-piece hood and grille shell are hand-formed in metal. Supporting the body is a trick backbone frame of 1.25-inch mild steel tubing. Suspension pieces were custom crafted utilizing 4130 chrome-moly. Instead of finding the usual Ford flathead or small block Chevy under the hood, Deuception showcases the potent water-cooled four-cam 4.5L V-8 engine and 3-speed automatic transaxle out of a 1981 Porsche 928. Just to shake things up, the V-8's stock fuel injection was tossed in favor of eye-catching quad carburetion. For reining in the speed, behind the fat Momo wheels (16x8 front; 16x13 rear) with Porsche logos, are the rotors and calipers built by Porsche specifically for its fastest contemporary production car: the 930. Inside, the driver and passenger will find Connolly leather was used not only for the seats, but also the matching custom luggage pieces. Deuception truly is a benchmark period example of state-of-the-art California-style street rodding.

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Information found on the website is presented as advance information for the auction lot. Photos, materials for videos, descriptions and other information are provided by the consignor/seller and is deemed reliable, but Mecum Auction does not verify, warrant or guarantee this information. The lot and information presented at auction on the auction block supersedes any previous descriptions or information. Mecum is not responsible for information that may be changed or updated prior to the auction. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the lot at the auction site prior to the auction.